JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- On Jan. 16, the U.S. and Italian air forces celebrated a landmark event: the graduation of 10 American student pilots from the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Italy.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training (FUPT) initiative. The graduates were part of a Small Group Tryout designed to test a modernized pilot production model – specifically, whether students could progress directly from a civilian-led Initial Pilot Training program straight into mastering military competencies in an advanced jet trainer.
For two of those pioneers, 2nd Lt. Denise D’Antonio and 1st Lt. Marques Johnson, the journey across the Atlantic brought both intense pressure and unparalleled opportunity.
Before arriving in Italy, the cohort completed a rigorous 139-day initial training program at the University of North Dakota’s campus in Mesa, Arizona, building a foundation in single- and multi-engine civilian aircraft. Moving to the T-346A Master Jet Trainer in Italy meant an immediate, steep learning curve.
“I knew it was going to be difficult,” D'Antonio said. “The materials provided at IFTS are designed for pilots who have already completed T-6 or T-38 equivalent courses, not for those coming straight from general aviation piston-engine aircraft. My stress-to-comfort ratio often swayed more to the high-stress side.”
Johnson was captivated by the highly focused, state-of-the-art environment. With meals and room upkeep handled by staff, daily distractions were minimized.
“That made it much easier to dedicate all of our time and energy to training,” Johnson said.
The 133-day Basic Jet Training course forced both lieutenants out of their comfort zones, leading to pivotal breakthroughs. For Johnson, that moment arrived while learning to effectively land the jet using the heads-up display.
“Up to that point, everything felt fast and at times overwhelming,” Johnson said. “That flight marked a turning point for me. It was the moment everything finally clicked, and I felt my first bit of confidence starting to build.”
D'Antonio’s defining moment in the cockpit was deeply personal. On Nov. 12, 2025, exactly 10 years after the passing of her father, a 20-year USAF pilot, she earned her solo endorsement.
“The confidence I had in myself as a pilot began to truly set in,” D'Antonio said. “It was such a beautiful, full-circle moment to get cleared to solo on a flight I dedicated to my dad’s memory. Two days later, I flew solo with a picture of him in my pocket.”
The success of this 10-person tryout validated months of planning between Air Education and Training Command and the Italian Air Force. If proven effective long-term, this training model will inform the U.S. Air Force’s integration of the new T-7A Red Hawk and help accelerate the command toward a goal of producing 1,500 pilots per year.
But beyond the strategic implications and the flight line, IFTS offered a masterclass in international relations.
“Training alongside pilots and instructors from all over the world made the experience unique and gave me a new sense of perspective,” Johnson said. “It reminds you that the mission is bigger than just the Air Force – and even bigger than the U.S. military. You start to see how connected everything really is.”
D'Antonio emphasized how the interconnected global landscape requires leaders who can navigate cultural differences with patience and an open mind.
“Work culture can be very distinguishable across different nations, and it’s important to recognize that something that is strange to the average American does not mean it is a less effective or incorrect way of going about an objective,” D'Antonio said. "I feel as though my confidence in working in a professional setting with our international counterparts outweighs that of my peers."
The warmth of the local culture provided a backdrop for building trust. D'Antonio noted how Italian working culture often builds camaraderie outside of traditional hours. She found this through dinners, snorkeling trips, and casual conversations at the coffee shop. Johnson valued the Italian emphasis on being present in the moment, though he joked that the immersion also made him appreciate American conveniences, like a trip to Walmart.
Following the tryout, four of the graduates tracked to fighter aircraft and remained in Italy for an advanced jet training course, while the rest, including D'Antonio and Johnson, returned to the U.S. to train on mobility, special operations, or command-and-control platforms.
They came back as winged aviators carrying lessons that extend far beyond airmanship. D'Antonio advises future students to make every flight count. “Once the course starts, you have to do whatever you can to prove you are not replaceable and that you are truly an asset to the pilot community," she said.
For Johnson, the biggest takeaway is the power of persistence.
“Embrace failure and get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Johnson said. “Nothing about this experience is meant to keep you in your comfort zone, and that’s where the real growth happens. If you aren't failing, you’re not pushing yourself enough to grow.”
On Jan. 16, the U.S. and Italian air forces celebrated a landmark event: the graduation of 10 American student pilots from the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Italy.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training (FUPT) initiative. The graduates were part of a Small Group Tryout designed to test a modernized pilot production model – specifically, whether students could progress directly from a civilian-led Initial Pilot Training program straight into mastering military competencies in an advanced jet trainer.
For two of those pioneers, 2nd Lt. Denise D’Antonio and 1st Lt. Marques Johnson, the journey across the Atlantic brought both intense pressure and unparalleled opportunity.
Before arriving in Italy, the cohort completed a rigorous 139-day initial training program at the University of North Dakota’s campus in Mesa, Arizona, building a foundation in single- and multi-engine civilian aircraft. Moving to the T-346A Master Jet Trainer in Italy meant an immediate, steep learning curve.
“I knew it was going to be difficult,” D'Antonio said. “The materials provided at IFTS are designed for pilots who have already completed T-6 or T-38 equivalent courses, not for those coming straight from general aviation piston-engine aircraft. My stress-to-comfort ratio often swayed more to the high-stress side.”
Johnson was captivated by the highly focused, state-of-the-art environment. With meals and room upkeep handled by staff, daily distractions were minimized.
“That made it much easier to dedicate all of our time and energy to training,” Johnson said.
The 133-day Basic Jet Training course forced both lieutenants out of their comfort zones, leading to pivotal breakthroughs. For Johnson, that moment arrived while learning to effectively land the jet using the heads-up display.
“Up to that point, everything felt fast and at times overwhelming,” Johnson said. “That flight marked a turning point for me. It was the moment everything finally clicked, and I felt my first bit of confidence starting to build.”
D'Antonio’s defining moment in the cockpit was deeply personal. On Nov. 12, 2025, exactly 10 years after the passing of her father, a 20-year USAF pilot, she earned her solo endorsement.
“The confidence I had in myself as a pilot began to truly set in,” D'Antonio said. “It was such a beautiful, full-circle moment to get cleared to solo on a flight I dedicated to my dad’s memory. Two days later, I flew solo with a picture of him in my pocket.”
The success of this 10-person tryout validated months of planning between Air Education and Training Command and the Italian Air Force. If proven effective long-term, this training model will inform the U.S. Air Force’s integration of the new T-7A Red Hawk and help accelerate the command toward a goal of producing 1,500 pilots per year.
But beyond the strategic implications and the flight line, IFTS offered a masterclass in international relations.
“Training alongside pilots and instructors from all over the world made the experience unique and gave me a new sense of perspective,” Johnson said. “It reminds you that the mission is bigger than just the Air Force – and even bigger than the U.S. military. You start to see how connected everything really is.”
D'Antonio emphasized how the interconnected global landscape requires leaders who can navigate cultural differences with patience and an open mind.
“Work culture can be very distinguishable across different nations, and it’s important to recognize that something that is strange to the average American does not mean it is a less effective or incorrect way of going about an objective,” D'Antonio said. "I feel as though my confidence in working in a professional setting with our international counterparts outweighs that of my peers."
The warmth of the local culture provided a backdrop for building trust. D'Antonio noted how Italian working culture often builds camaraderie outside of traditional hours. She found this through dinners, snorkeling trips, and casual conversations at the coffee shop. Johnson valued the Italian emphasis on being present in the moment, though he joked that the immersion also made him appreciate American conveniences, like a trip to Walmart.
Following the tryout, four of the graduates tracked to fighter aircraft and remained in Italy for an advanced jet training course, while the rest, including D'Antonio and Johnson, returned to the U.S. to train on mobility, special operations, or command-and-control platforms.
They came back as winged aviators carrying lessons that extend far beyond airmanship. D'Antonio advises future students to make every flight count. “Once the course starts, you have to do whatever you can to prove you are not replaceable and that you are truly an asset to the pilot community," she said.
For Johnson, the biggest takeaway is the power of persistence.
“Embrace failure and get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Johnson said. “Nothing about this experience is meant to keep you in your comfort zone, and that’s where the real growth happens. If you aren't failing, you’re not pushing yourself enough to grow.”